Self-management

Dear sisters ........ how are you? It's cold, wet and windy in Tokyo today. I was planning to pay a visit to Gosireh Gon in Ikebukuro today, but decided to stay home. Are you all getting ready for Christmas? Just like to continue my philosophical talk after the '110%' .......

In Korea, Yong Joon’s phenomenal success is being attributed to his sound self-management. Because of this fine and exceptional quality in an actor, he is being sought after as the image of major business corporations and spokesperson for government/social campaigns. We all know Yong Joon is not someone who readily accepts any proposals. In fact, he is synonymous with saying ‘NO’ and is extremely selective on his projects and commitments (otherwise we won’t be sticking our necks out for so long on his next acting :)


However once our handsome prince has committed himself, he does throw his body and soul fiercely into work. Of course we understand Yong Joon has a whole lot more responsibilities and burdens than the average Joe on the street. Say if this ajumma doesn’t cook for a night, the worst case is hubby and son will have to endure a quick Japanese salary man’s meal – the oh-so-convenient obento box! (hehe, which they are secretly clapping their hands anyway :) Or if I don’t rehearse what I am going to say and do in Japanese before I step out of the house, it will be like a 'chicken talking to the duck' scene (hehe, quoting the Chinese saying. Well, you can picture what I mean :) Still, no big consequence for the little me! But our Yonsama is a totally different story - this important man has bookings, events, deadlines, work crews and a whole team of staffs. His every move affects the livelihoods of many people across different industries and triggers rippling effects in Korea and Japan – both economically and socially.


We’ve heard Yong Joon repeated this many times, “Because I am not smart enough, I just have to do my very best”. You know, I truly believe he is not just being modest or fake. He tends to favor projects that he has never attempted before, and carries that desire and humility like a new apprentice. Whenever we think of self-discipline, very often we associate it with rules and limitations on one’s pleasure and freedom. Obviously Yong Joon is a very intelligent man, but his strict self-discipline and ‘perfectionist’ standards would drain too much energy out from him time after time.


Not too long ago, a nice sister told me in an honest manner (or should I add earnest too?) that I say ‘Yes’ too often and tend to exhaust myself. Yes (oops, there I go again!), ever since we decided to move to Japan 2 years ago, life has started to spin at a fast forward mode. We see, we listen, we feel, we learn, we enjoy – as if we have to experience what takes a lifetime to go through. Japan - the place, the culture and the people of course, carries a very special meaning in my heart. Very often, I tend to over commit myself and say ‘Yes’ to too many engagements. Maybe in my case, self-management is more like self-realization of the limitation on my own capabilities – physical, time and family. Like Yong Joon, it’s more prudent to say ‘No’ and focus only on what means the most, then I can really give it 100% and enjoy the experience. Sorry if I don’t make any sense to you, am I trying to justify things to myself? Haha, you bet I am!


As Yong Joon said, “Everything has its own time” (and place, if I may add). I also believe everything (good or bad) happens for a reason, thus everyone who appears in your life (and vice versa) has a reason to be there too. So to my dear sisters, if I haven't written to you for a while, please know that you are always in my heart. Thanks for reading along, please take care!